Agent Orange - What does VA consider Proper protocol

[VN-Vet]

Hey Guys,

Several Questions on Agent Orange.

1. Does getting registered on the Agent Orange Registry hurt, help, or otherwise affect any future disability claim?  

2. Do I need to file/open a claim in order to be on the Agent Orange Registry?

3. Do I need, or is it good, to take the physical the 'Agent Orange Registry Health Exam' ?

4. What should I expect?

5. Would applying for the 'Agent Orange Registry and Subsequent Health Exam' , jeopardize any 'Intent to File' submitted?

6. any other suggestions?

 

[Buck52]

Regeristration into the A.O. Regerstry will not help with a claim  but it helps you if you ever come down with a A.O. Disease.

I would suggest every Vietnam Veteran get in the A.O. Regerstry.

I am in it.

You go through an extensive exam they cover everything  but not limited to every disease A.O. can cause,  it just basically proves you were boots on the ground in the RVN.

The examiner checks your service records as well as Medical.

And the different locations while in the RVN, some parts of Nam was more heavily sprayed than others  but the presumption of A.O. means any Veteran that had Boots on the ground is covered for any type of A.O. Disease.

If you are seeking service connection for one of the diseases VA presumes is associated with exposure to herbicides during service, VA requires the following:

A medical diagnosis of a disease which VA recognizes as being associated with Agent Orange (listed above)

Competent evidence of

service in Vietnam or at or near the Korean demilitarized zone during the dates shown above, or

exposure to herbicides in a location other than the Vietnam or the Korean demilitarized zone.

Competent medical evidence that the disease began within the deadline (if any). (See 38 CFR 3.307(a)(6)(ii) for more information on deadlines.)

If you believe that you have a disease caused by herbicide exposure, but that disease is not on the list of diseases associated with Agent Orange, you may still apply for service-connection. In these cases, VA requires all of the following:

Competent medical evidence of a current disability,

Competent medical evidence of an actual connection between herbicide exposure and the current disability, AND

Competent evidence of:

service in Vietnam or at or near the Korean demilitarized zone during the dates shown above, or

exposure to herbicides in a location other than Vietnam or the Korean demilitarized zone.

[Buck52]

you can file a claim on  21-526 ez ALONG WITH MEDICAL RECORDS TO PROVE YOUR EXPOSURE, locations and unit names ...

Regerstreing don't help with a claim that is only for Vets that was in RVN and actually if the Veteran ever comes down with an A.O. OR ANY PRESUMPTIVE A.O. years later it shows you were in the RVN AND YOUWERE EXPOSED.

YOU still need to prove your condition your claiming. and it was military related...being there breathing the air is your evidence  'per'say'  You will need a Dr or specialist to give his/her opinion to nexus the disease to your RVN Military service.

[broncovet]

A well known, law firm which represents Vets against the VA has this on their website:  

It lists conditions which are presumptive for AO Vets.  

https://cck-law.com/news/agent-orange-exposure-in-vietnam/

[VN-Vet]

Thanks Buck,

I am just not sure which is best way to start; 1. To find my own doctors first to see what is wrong, as I have several issues, which one may be my ticker, another the painful skin condition on my face, and a couple others. 2. Contact the VA and get the exam first?

I take it then that I have to open a claim up with the VA in order to get the free medical exam - right?

Never have been big on doctors or attorneys, so I self-medicate and take care of my own business - even if it appears foolish, and some results appear to substantiate that. Goes back to trust issues and paranoia, maybe even hyper-vigilance.

 

 

[VN-Vet]

I was with the 101st Admin in Hue/ Phu Bai - been to most camps including Camp Eagle, then convoyed through the mountains to Da Nang when standing down the 101st - then to Long Binh, then as part of my duty there - flew to many posts picking up classified docs to bringing back to AVDAC.

However, I was unaware that where you could prove you were in Vietnam made any difference anymore, good to know. The records I have only show I was with the 101st Admin and HHC 1st Aviation.

BTW - who knows what the HHC in  the HHC 1st Aviation stood for? 

Edited March 24, 2018 by VN-Vet

[broncovet]

You need to meet the "Caluza" elements to be service connected, and this isnt going to happen without a doctors care:

1.  Current diagnosis.  This needs to be made by a doctor, "self diagnosis" is insufficient.  

2.  Documentation of an in service event or aggravation.  If your diagnosis is on the "presumptive" list, above, and you served "boots on the ground" in Vietnam, you wont need to show an in service event.  

3.  Nexus, or medical professionals opinion that your current diagnosis is "at least as likely as not" due to an event  military service.   Again, if your disorder is on the presumptive list, this will make it easier for you.